Russia ready to use nuclear weapons if sovereignty is threatened: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated Wednesday that his country is ready to use nuclear weapons to fight any threat to its sovereignty.

Asked by Russian state media whether he would use Russia’s nuclear stockpile in a war with Ukraine, Putin said so far there was no need to do so. The Associated Press reported that President Biden called him a veteran politician and said he understood the dangers of escalation.

However, according to the Associated Press, Putin said that in line with Russia’s security principles, his country is ready to use nuclear weapons if there is a threat to “the existence of the Russian state, the sovereignty and independence of our country.”

“Everything written in our strategy remains unchanged,” he said.

President Putin appeared to be referring to NATO allies supporting Ukraine, saying, “Countries that say there is no red line to be crossed regarding Russia should realize that there is no red line to be crossed for Russia either.” ” he claimed.

His comments echo remarks he made in a speech to Russia’s parliament late last month in which he boasted of the country’s nuclear arsenal, including new hypersonic missiles. In his speech, President Putin threatened that “potential invaders will face more serious consequences if they try to enter Russian territory.”

This new threat also comes a day after the White House announced a new $300 million emergency military aid plan for Ukraine. It would be the first package of its kind since late December, as the aid bill remains stalled in Congress.

“Ukrainian forces have fought valiantly and bravely throughout this war, but are now forced to ration ammunition under pressure on multiple fronts, and we are already seeing the impact on the battlefield.” Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to the President, said in a statement. .

He added on Tuesday that “even if Russian troops advance and their artillery fires, Ukraine does not have enough ammunition to fight back.” “It’s costing terrain, it’s costing lives, and it’s causing strategic damage to the United States and the NATO alliance.”

The Associated Press contributed.